Hello,

My sister is now the proud owner of a 9 week old CKCS bitch puppy called Tinkerbelle!    I think this pup was bred in dubious circumstances (eg. puppy farm in Fife) but she seems to be lively and bold enough.  Is there anything Denise should be looking for as regard health problems within this breed, I know they did suffer from heart problems, is that still the case?

Not really my field, had it been a gundog breed I would've known!

Thanks

Christine

Yes, Cavaliers can be prone to mitrial valve disease so it would be a good idea to get the pup's heart as well as eyes checked out. MVD appears in the form of a heart murmur. Ideally both parents should be board certified heart and eye clear before breeding and tested annually while being bred from. MVD is generally a disease of old age although really bad cases can appear in young pups.

Hope this helps,
Anne

Thanks,

From what I can gather, I think the puppy is from a "puppy farm".    She was bought for my sister so it was a surprise for her too, I very much doubt the pup's parents have been checked, she has no KC reg for the pup either.   It's supposed to be getting sent on!   Not holding my breath on that one.